- The visit is in continuation of the series of visits being undertaken to assess and enhance the operational effectiveness of NAF units across the country

- Abubakar used to opportunity to reveal that seven fighter aircraft will be deployed to Benue and Taraba

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in continuation of the series of visits being undertaken to assess and enhance the operational effectiveness of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) units across the country, visited NAF units in Makurdi on Saturday, June 23.

The visit equally afforded the CAS the opportunity to visit the headquarters of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) as well as interact with NAF personnel deployed for the operation.

During the visit, the CAS and other senior officers were briefed by both the Joint Task Force commander, Major General Adeyemi Yekini, and the air component commander/deputy force commander OPWS, Group Captain Precious Amadi.

The briefing highlighted the successes recorded since the establishment of the operation, which had led to a reduction in violence in the three states under the force’s area of responsibility, namely Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.

In his remarks, the CAS stated that the NAF was committed to ensuring the security of lives and properties of all Nigerians.

He stated that the NAF had therefore contributed about 300 Special Forces personnel to OPWS along with the deployment of an array of fighter aircraft, Mi-35 helicopter gunships as well as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms to bring an end to the security challenges in the state.

Furthermore, the CAS expressed satisfaction with the level of progress achieved in the operation and commended the commander, officers and men of OPWS for the successes so far achieved.

He assured them that the NAF would continue to provide all necessary support to ensure even greater results in the operation. The CAS also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for creating an enabling environment for the NAF to continue to carry out its constitutional roles.

One of the highlights of the visit was the formal induction of the Mi-35P helicopter gunship, NAF 531, for combat duties in OPWS, as part of NAF’s contributions towards curbing violence in Benue state and environs.

The 2 helipads, which were commissioned on Thursday, June 13 June, would enable NAF combat helicopter gunships to operate from Gusau thereby increasing their reach during air operations within Zamfara state and environs.